Amerindian Affairs Ministry hosts ‘Heritage Walk’

The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs on Sunday held a ‘Walk’ depicting a healthy lifestyle, beginning at the Umana Yana and culminating at the Botanical Gardens, Middle Street. It was one of several activities for Amerindian Heritage Month 2012, celebrated under the theme ‘Embracing Our Identity, Celebrating Our Culture’.

Participants moving off from the Umana Yana on a walk for Amerindian Heritage Month

Representatives of the Indigenous People’s Commission (IPC), National Toshaos Council (NTC), and National Amerindian Development Foundation (NADF), the Amerindian Action Movement of Guyana (TAAMOG), other Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Hinterland Scholarship students took part in the Fitness walk.

Some of the participants on their walk to the Botanical Gardens

Participants gathered at the Botanical Gardens after the Amerindian Heritage Month walk

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Amerindian Affairs Ministry pays tribute to late Amerindian MP, Stephen Campbell

Georgetown, GINA, September 11, 2012

The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs on September 11 hosted an evening of reflection and exhibition, in tribute to the life and contributions of the late Amerindian rights advocate, and first Indigenous Parliamentarian, Stephen Campbell.

The ceremony was held at the Umana Yana, Kingston, and forms part of the Amerindian Heritage Month activities held under the theme “Embracing our identity, celebrating our culture”.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds paying tribute to the late Stephen Campbell at an Evening of Reflection and an Exhibition

The gathering was treated to dances by the Mainstay Cultural group and a video presentation by David Campbell, son of the late parliamentarian.

Campbell was the first Guyanese of Amerindian descent to enter the Legislative Council of the then British Guiana.

During his tribute, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds stated that Campbell’s life illustrated the challenges faced by people to eke out a living in Guyana.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Vetalene Edwin, student, reigning Miss Amerindian Heritage Queen, Naomi Samuels and Nigel Dharamlall, Permanent Secretary, during the opening of Exhibition and Reflection on the Life of Stephen Campbell

“Campbell’s life is a good role model, not only for Amerindians but, all Guyanese making and earning a living, and utilising opportunities accessible to us,” he said. Today, through the PPP/C Administration, Amerindians have full access to primary and secondary education throughout the 10 Administrative regions.

PM Hinds stated that he considers himself as one of the beneficiaries of Campbell’s work. Campbell’s political will was aroused during his tenure at the Waini sawmill, where Amerindians and other sections of the Guyanese population were seeking representation. Campbell started his formal political career in 1956, at which time he was 60 years old.
The Prime Minister explained that the same approach to improving livelihood in Amerindians communities applies to all Guyanese.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds viewing the displays at Exhibition on Life of Stephen Campbell at the Umana Yana

Campbell was born, in the Moruca sub- district of Region One, on December 26, 1819 to parents who both died when he was at a tender age, leaving him in the care of his grandmother. He was also a student of the Santa Rosa Mission School.

In 1928, Campbell got married at the age of 31, and migrated to various locations in Regions One, Two, Seven, and Nine, where he was involved in teaching, road construction, gold mining, rubber tapping, fishing, and tree spotting.

With the proposal of Universal Adult Suffrage in 1951, this gave Amerindians the opportunity to participate in general elections, and Campbell began to show interest in politics.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Nigel Dharamlall during his remarks stated that not only did Campbell express nationalism but, he also spoke about agriculture, skills training, land titling and access to telecommunication in the Amerindian villages.

Among his greatest achievements were the move towards crafting the Amerindian Act, and developing better health facilities and a postal service in the North West District.
Dharamlall urged persons to take heed and cherish the advice that Campbell has left.

April 27, 1956 marked the first time in the history of Guyana that Amerindians were allowed to exercise their franchise.

Campbell died on May 12, 1966, two weeks before British Guiana gained independence from Britain.

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Guyana has much to celebrate

- Prime Minister at Heritage Day celebrations at Micobie

Georgetown, September 8, 2012

The village of Micobie, Region Eight on September 8, saw an influx of persons from across the regions who gathered to be part of the ‘Heritage Village’ celebrations, one of the main events during Amerindian Heritage month celebrations.

Many people, who were visiting the village for the first time, were quite taken by the scenic environment, while others were busy sampling the mouth-watering Amerindian delicacies, indulging in the drinks, admiring the beautiful craft pieces and enjoying the songs and dances.

From left: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Nigel Dharamlall, Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Juan Edghill, Micobie Toshao, Julie Johnson, Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Norman Whittaker, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Regional Executive Officer, Region Eight, Ronald Harsawack at the opening ceremony of the Heritage Day celebrations at Micobie

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds who attended the celebrations informed that Government as is traditional will be making a special heritage contribution to the village of $5M to support income generation, infrastructure or other projects as proposed by the Village.

A group of young Amerindian children performing a cultural dance at the Village Day celebrations at Micobie, Region Eight

“The improvement that we have made through our work and through our working together over the last 20 years, we have achieved much…we in the PPP/C Government recognise that our major task is to the development of our people and our country and so we have been focusing particularly on aspects such as improving education and other important social services,” the Prime Minister said.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds checking out one of the craft booths on display

He spoke of the many young Amerindians who have improved themselves as a result of the opportunities that were made possible through Government such as scholarships and are today returning to the communities as professionals.

Members of the Surama Cultural Group performing a special dance at the celebrations in Micobie Village

The Prime Minister also updated the residents on the progress of the Hinterland Electrification Programme, which is currently being implemented to provide an overall 11,000 solar home systems to residents, as well as the Hinterland Roads programme, which will provide vital links to the various communities and will pave the way for more economic opportunities.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds doing a dance with a Micobie resident

Meanwhile, Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Norman Whittaker said that the fact that the Amerindian population in Guyana has been able to keep their culture virtually intact despite other influences is a success story by itself.
Amerindian culture is recognised at the highest level of Guyana, as it is enshrined in the constitution.

Minister Whittaker spoke of the Amerindian Act of 2006, which is a product of Amerindian input and which defines the way in which villages are governed. Other important achievements are the establishment of the National Toshaos Council and Indigenous Peoples Commission. They are also represented at many important international forums.

“You have achieved…and with the continued support of the PPP/C Government, you will continue to achieve more and more,” Minister Whittaker said.

Also present at the celebrations was Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Juan Edghill and Permanent Secretary of the Amerindian Affairs Ministry, Nigel Dharamlall.
The village of Micobie is situated approximately two miles downriver of the famous Tumatumari Falls in the Potaro River. It is accessible by road via the Linden /Mabura and Bartica /Potaro roads or by aircraft to Mahdia then by road.

This year, Amerindian Heritage month is being celebrating under the theme, “Embracing our Identity, Celebrating our Culture.”

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Amerindian Heritage Month ushered in with Interfaith Service

The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs on August 31, 2012, evening hosted an interfaith service to usher in Amerindian Heritage Month 2012 which is being celebrated under the theme, “Embracing our identity, Celebrating our Culture.”

Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai with representatives of the different religious faiths that were part of the interfaith programme

The event was hosted at the Umana Yana, Kingston and was attended by Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai and other Cabinet Ministers, representatives of the Diplomatic Corps and a diverse representation of the different religious faiths of Guyana.

Christian, Hindu, Muslim and Rastafarian leaders including those from the Guyana Conference of Seventh Day Adventist, the Bahai’ Community, the Islamic Organisation, the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, the New Life Anointed Ministries and the Roman Catholic Church were among those briefly addressing the gathering.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai and Minister of Agriculture Dr. Leslie Ramsammy among the gathering at the Interfaith Service

They offered prayers, readings, hymns, exhortations and sermons for the successful unfolding of the month’s activities. They also asked for blessings for the Amerindian people, that they remain resilient and strong, and that they grow to accept their responsibilities for the well-being of their communities and the nation and carve out their mark on the country with regards to development.

The gathering at the Inter-Faith Service for Amerindian Heritage Month 2012 at the Umana Yana

Prayers were also offered for the Government and the Leaders of the nation that wisdom, grace and understanding be their guide in the execution of their duties.

Some aspects of the programme were delivered in Amerindian dialect. This included the National Pledge that was recited in Akawio by staff of the Amerindian Affairs Ministry and Co-Chairperson of the night’s event, Deon James. Prayers and thanks given were recited in the Arecuna, Wapishana and Machusi Ameirndian dialect.

The Hallelujah Group of Tassarene, Middle Mazaruni, Region Seven chanting at the Inter-Faith Service

Father John Persaud and team from the Roman Catholic Church singing a hymn at the service

Ras Leon Saul of the Rastafari Council performs an African drumology piece

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“A person not rooted in his heritage loose his identity”

– President – at opening of Heritage Month

Georgetown, GINA, September 1, 2012

Amerindian Heritage Month celebrations kicked off with zest and vigour as Guyana’s first peoples began their annual month-long celebrations under the theme: Embracing Our Identity, Celebrating our Culture.

The grand official opening of celebrations at the Amerindian village, Sophia Exhibition Site was dominated by youthful spirits during the cultural extravaganza and surrounded by a wide variety of indigenous foods, drinks, and craft.

President Donald Ramotar during his feature address stressed on the Amerindian culture urging Amerindians to preserve it. He also warned that if they allow their languages to die, it would be the beginning of the end of their culture. Focusing on the theme of the celebrations, the Head of State said, “a person who is not rooted in his heritage loses his identity, and is thus akin to a rolling stone”. He added that Amerindians must continue to pass on their culture to the younger generations.

He reiterated Government’s support towards the preservation of the Amerindian culture and languages, which is indispensible towards the protection of their identity.

President Ramotar outlined government’s agenda towards the continued development of Amerindian hinterland communities through major projects, road networks, electrification and easier access into communities. He noted that the delayed attempts by the Parliamentary Opposition to correct their mistake of cutting the national budget had delayed a number of initiatives.

Two beautiful ladies: Miss Canada 2012 Jaclyn Miles and reigning

Miss Amerindian Heritage Queen Naomi Samuels sit side by side

during the Grand Launch of Amerindian Heritage Month 2012.

The President stated however, that “this experience has strengthened the resolve of Government to reject and resist attempts to stymie Government’s support for greater development in the hinterland”. He stated that in order to move Guyana forward and not imperil national development, all political parties need to be responsible and work together. That the indigenous people will be the central part of Guyana’s development clearly shows that there is reason for celebration, the President added.

“It is only when we practice our traditions and culture, that we don’t allow our heritage to die,” he urged the gathering as he invited the rest of the nation to join with the Amerindians in their celebrations.

A group of Amerindian dancers dramatise their culture in song and dance at the start of the Heritage celebrations.

Meanwhile, Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai stated that Government had taken great steps to preserve the Amerindian rights and heritage. “Cultural protection has also found a place in the Amerindian Act of 2006,” she stated.

She said that leaders are legally mandated to preserve the Amerindian traditional and cultural way of life. Minister Sukhai echoed the President’s sentiments on the preservation of the culture and identity of Amerindians and recommitted her Ministry’s support towards this.

Guyana’s Amerindian vaqueros demonstrate that cowboys can not only ride horses and chase cows, they can dance too!

Other activities during Amerindian Heritage Month will include the continuation of cultural presentations, indigenous craft exhibitions, food and craft tents and other events at the Amerindian Village, Sophia.

On Heritage Day, September 8, the Grand heritage village celebrations will take place at Micobie Village, Region 8, while the Sports & fun weekend will take place in Georgetown at the Carifesta Sports complex on September 15 and 16.

Large tents outside the main Benab accommodated the overflow of patrons who attended the opening of Amerindian Heritage Month celebrations at the Sophia Exhibition Site.

The annual Heritage walk showcasing the active lifestyle of the Amerindians will take place on Sunday Sept 23, while the children will be involved in mural painting at the Kitty seawall on Sept 22 -23 from 9.00 hrs daily.

The celebrations wind down with a Dinner on September 28 at the Regency Suites Hotel in Hadfield Street.

Some of the intricately woven and hand designed handiwork displayed in the Craft Tent at the Amerindian Village, Sophia Exhibition Site.

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